Interior Design Principles
INTERIOR DESIGN BASICS FOR DECORATING THE MODERN HOME
At BUCO we always strive to bring you the best advice, inspiration, DIY projects and ideas for home decor. In this article we`re going to look at how a few basic interior design principles can help you transform any room into a beautiful living space. Our aim is not to turn you into a professional interior designer, but we will be sharing the basic principles, some useful tips and a number of brilliant insights to help enhance your vision for the perfect home interior. Let’s get started!
1. RHYTHM
Rhythm has to do with how the objects and furniture are laid out in the room, as well as the colour palette throughout the spaces. There are a few devices you can use to create visual rhythm, these are:
• Repetition – You can repeat the same features throughout a room to create a theme (e.g. matching the colour of the cushions, carpet and curtains in a living room).
• Progression – Increasing or decreasing the qualities or properties of a feature in a room (e.g. clustering different sized ornaments or candles in a corner, arranging from small to large, or moving from one shade of a colour to the next, etc.).
• Transition – Elements that use winding paths, lines and curves to move from one space to the next (i.e. glass door, arched doorway, winding steps, etc.).
2. SCALE & PROPORTION
Both refer to the size of one element against another. How the size of one object relates to the space in which it is placed. The perfect ratio or what designers refer to as the "golden ratio" means the smaller element should be as equal in relation to the larger element, as what the larger element is to the whole room (in scale and proportion). This pleasing aesthetic is found everywhere in nature and is a favourite of successful interior designers everywhere.
3. CONTRAST
This technique sets off different elements and their features against one another. Contrast runs parallel to balance, so you`re basically balancing different textures, sizes and colours against each other to create a striking effect. The eye appreciates these differences in a room when done well, but be wary of this approach as it can seem too harsh when overdone.
4. COLOUR
The colours in the room need to express your own personality as well as create a relevant flow throughout the room. Not sure about which colour would work best for your room? Why not chat to one of our in-store BUCO experts in the paint section. We can mix and match a palette with you that will breathe new life into any room.
5. EMPHASIS
Focal points can make or break a room. This is not just about utilising the objects in the room, and it`s also about using the room itself so that there are points of interest in the room around which "islands" of spaces can be arranged (e.g. placing furniture around a fireplace).
SOME TOP INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS & INSIGHTS FOR EACH ROOM
LIVING ROOM & BEDROOM
• Look at the pillows – They can be a nice focal point but don’t overdo it as it can easily cause instant visual clutter to have too many different pillows.
• Wall hangings – They mostly look best when hung at eye level.
• Couches and Beds - Spend the most on these, as they are the most used furniture in the home and will need to last.
• Rugs, tables & décor – Don’t overspend on these items as they can usually be found at lower prices and still look good.
• Curtains - Brighten up dark rooms with dark walls by adding bright curtains.
• Colour – “Anchor” a space with recurring colours. (e.g. Blue pillows on all the seats in the lounge area only, then purple refurbishing on the dining room seats). Make each space its own colour oasis. Even an accent wall that is painted in a standout colour will create this effect.
• Unique furniture – You can colour-dip stools or wooden chairs for a unique extra tone to the living room, lounge or dining room area. Chat to our in-store paint experts for the best wood paint advice.
KITCHEN & BATHROOM
• Bathroom – Start with a single accent colour on the curtains and then match with the tiles or mats. Introduce more elemental single colours from there if required, to complete a simple pleasing yet stylish look.
• Kitchen cabinets - Make just the kitchen cabinets an unexpected colour to brighten up an open plan kitchen/lounge area with otherwise dull tones.
THE LIGHTING
• Chandelier - Don’t set it too high. Hang it just low enough to bring light into the room but not so low that taller guests can knock into it.
• Drop / Pendant lights – These are perfect for smaller rooms. Hang multiple pendant lights parallel for larger spaces. Perfect as an alternative for focus-lighting, paired with wall sconces.
• Wall lighting / Sconces - Sconces and lamps work well as area-focused lighting to create well-lit ambience in a room without the glare of an overhead hanging light.
Luckily, BUCO has your DIY home design needs covered. Whether your interior space needs a fresh coat of paint or a touch up of the electrical fixtures, doors and plumbing, or if you’d like to create your own DIY décor for a more personalised home, we’ve got everything you need.
In the meantime, take a look at our Instagram page for a host of other bright project posts and DIY ideas, click HERE.